- Veteran Nigerian actor, Chief Lere Paimo popularly known in the Yoruba film industry as Eda Onile Ola has publicly debunked viral rumours alleging his death, calling on Nigerians to desist from circulating unverified information that causes panic and emotional distress.
The 84 year-old film icon addressed the issue in a calm but firm video message posted to his verified Instagram page on Wednesday morning, assuring fans that he is alive, healthy, and deeply disappointed by those who shared the false report.
The rumour, which began circulating across WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and a few fringe blogs late Tuesday night, had falsely claimed that the revered actor had “passed away after a brief illness.”
Within hours, the fake news gained significant traction, prompting confusion among theatre practitioners, fans, and even a few media personalities who made frantic attempts to verify the information.
In his response video, credited to IG/lerepaimo, the legendary actor wore a white traditional outfit and appeared composed as he addressed the camera.
“My people, I am still alive,” he said, his voice steady. “Those spreading these rumours of my death should stop.
It is not a small thing to tell the world that someone has died when he has not. May God forgive you.”
His message has since gone viral, drawing relief from fans, colleagues, and cultural organisations who had been alarmed by the earlier claims.
Lere Paimo expressed gratitude to those who reached out privately to confirm his wellbeing, noting that the wave of concern reminded him of how deeply his work has touched generations of Nigerians.
Growing Trend of Celebrity Death Hoaxes
This is not the first time a Nigerian entertainment figure has been subjected to false death reports.
In recent years, several prominent entertainers, including actors Jide Kosoko, Olu Jacobs, and singer Adekunle Gold, have all been falsely declared dead on social media platforms.
Media analysts say the proliferation of unregulated online blogs and anonymous social media accounts has worsened the trend. These platforms routinely publish sensational, unverified stories in a bid to attract traffic and advertising clicks.
According to digital communication experts, the speed at which these stories spread highlights a larger challenge: the public’s increasing reliance on unverified online sources.
In the case of Lere Paimo, social media monitoring showed that the rumour originated from a screenshot shared on X (formerly Twitter) by an anonymous account with fewer than 500 followers.
No mainstream media outlet published the claim, yet it went viral through message forwarding channels.
Industry Reaction and Calls for Accountability
Prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry have criticised the hoax, warning that such behaviour is both insensitive and harmful. Veteran actress Toyin Adegbola described the false report as “cruel and unacceptable,” adding that the entertainment industry must collectively fight the spread of misinformation.
“You don’t play with a person’s life in the name of engagement,” she said.
Another colleague, actor Muyiwa Ademola, commented that the episode highlights the need for celebrities especially older ones to maintain active and verified communication channels where misinformation can be quickly addressed.
“Chief Lere Paimo’s calm response saved many people from panic,” he noted. “But we need stronger systems where rumour-mongers can be held accountable.”
The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) also issued a brief statement calling for responsible digital behaviour.
According to the association, the spread of false death news is emotionally damaging not only to the victim but also to family members, friends, and the fan community at large.
The Emotional Toll of False Death Reports
In his Instagram video, Lere Paimo reflected on the emotional impact of seeing his name trending for the wrong reasons.
He emphasised that such rumours can create fear and psychological stress for elderly individuals and their families.
“It is not a good experience at this age,” he remarked. “I have children, grandchildren, and many who look up to me. They should not be hearing such things falsely.”
His son, who spoke to journalists shortly after the video went live, confirmed that the family had been inundated with calls throughout the night.
“People were crying, people were panicking,” he said. “It is unfair. These rumours are not harmless they create real distress.”
Psychologists say that fake death reports can affect the mental health of the individuals targeted.
The sudden shock of seeing one’s own obituary online, they caution, may trigger anxiety, depression, or even health complications for elderly victims.
A Living Legend’s Enduring Legacy
Lere Paimo is one of the most respected figures in Nigerian performing arts.
With a career spanning more than six decades, he has featured in some of the most influential Yoruba films and stage productions.
He rose to national prominence after his role in the classic film Efunsetan Aniwura and has since contributed immensely to the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage through theatre and film.
His calm, fatherly presence in the video reassured fans that the icon remains strong and active.
Many commenters expressed joy at seeing him in good health, with messages such as “Baba, may you live long” and “We thank God for your life.”
The actor also used the opportunity to share a broader message about gratitude and reflection.
“Every day is a blessing,” he said. “Let us use our platforms to spread truth and kindness, not fear.”
Fact Checking and the Role of Readers
Media professionals argue that the public must cultivate habits of verification before sharing sensitive information.
Fake news thrives when readers share headlines without checking sources or confirming facts.
For stories involving alleged deaths, experts recommend looking out for:
1. Official statements from family, representatives, or verified accounts.
2. Credible news platforms, rather than anonymous pages.
3. Consistency major news outlets rarely ignore such major developments.
4. Timestamp checks, ensuring the story is current and not recycled.
Digital safety groups warn that hoaxes may become more frequent during periods of political tension, entertainment events, or national crises, as misinformation spreads rapidly through online echo chambers.
A Lesson for Social Media Users
Following the clarification video, several social media users apologised for spreading the rumour, acknowledging that they had forwarded the message without verifying its authenticity.
Some commentators used the incident to initiate broader conversations about responsible digital citizenship.
A user on Facebook wrote, “This is the problem with our society today.
We rush to share bad news without thinking. We must do better.”
Another added, “Celebrities are human beings with families. Imagine hearing that your father is dead on the internet when he is not.”
Moving Forward
As the dust settles, many fans have expressed relief and gratitude that Chief Lere Paimo is alive and well.
The episode, however, serves as another stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the urgency of promoting digital responsibility.
The veteran actor ended his video message with a blessing for his supporters: “Thank you for your love.
God will continue to protect every one of you.”
For the Nigerian entertainment community, the incident reinforces an ongoing call for caution, verification, and empathy in the digital age principles that have become increasingly essential as the line between truth and rumour grows ever more blurred.
